Polish parliament approves civil partnerships as president signals veto

Poland’s parliament approved legislation on May 29 introducing registered civil partnerships, although the future of the law is uncertain after right-wing conservative President Karol Nawrocki stated he would refuse to sign it.

The measure forms part of a broader set of reforms pledged by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centre-left coalition when it assumed office, according to foreign media.

Under the new framework, two adults would be able to conclude a formal agreement before a solicitor. Once registered at a registry office, partners would gain the ability to define property relations and establish mutual maintenance obligations.

The legislation also grants rights such as the use of a shared residence, access to a partner’s medical records, and the ability to act as an authorised representative.

Polish law still defines marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman. Recently, the interior minister instructed registry offices, following a ruling by the European Court of Justice, to recognise same-sex marriages performed abroad.

The registered civil partnership would extend to same-sex couples as well. However, the right-wing opposition Law and Justice party (PiS) has strongly rejected the proposal, and President Nawrocki also comes from the PiS political camp.

After the parliamentary vote, Nawrocki said he would not sign any law that provided an alternative to marriage. "I am the guardian of the constitution. The constitution expressly states that marriage is a union between a man and a woman," he noted.

By Jeyhun Aghazada